Implementation of an advanced air traffic control system in Martinique (French West Indies)

DSNA and its industrial partner, ADACEL, commissioned the next generation Air Traffic Control (ATC) system including full electronic stripping in Fort-de-France, on May 14th , 2025. This success marked a major milestone on the modernization of ATC systems for the French West Indies.

Since May 14th, 2025, the Fort-de-France control unit has fully implemented SEAFLIGHT thanks to an intense and in-depth collaboration between DSNA, the French Air Navigation Service Provider, and the manufacturer ADACEL. This modern and performant Tower and Approach control system brings innovative features for safer and more efficient air traffic management in an electronic stripping environment.

DSNA and ADACEL have celebrated this successful implementation at Airspace World 2025 in Lisbon. Frédéric GUIGNIER, DSNA CEO, underlined: “Bringing SEAFLIGHT in operational use for the first time is a major achievement, and I am proud of the work and the unwavering commitment of our teams that have made this possible. I am convinced that this new ATC system opens a whole, new, promising chapter in our operations for the French West Indies and French Guiana.” Daniel Verret, ADACEL CEO, said, “We are incredibly proud to see SEAFLIGHT now fully operational. This achievement reflects years of close collaboration and technical excellence. It is a testament to the strength of our partnership with DSNA and our joint commitment to innovation in air traffic management. ADACEL is honoured to play a role in enhancing air traffic safety and efficiency in the region.”

As part of its “DSNA 2030” transformation plan, DSNA has undertaken an ambitious modernization of its overseas ATC systems, designed to ensure service provision of the highest quality. Based on the existing AURORA© system designed by ADACEL for oceanic en-route control and already installed in Cayenne, DSNA aims to implement a single harmonized control system with a global technical architecture encompassing all three control services (tower, approach, oceanic) in three remote locations (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana). A significant technical challenge in itself! This will yield operational benefits (enhanced safety, more efficient working methods, automated coordination and data exchange with adjacent regional centers) while providing greater cost control (more consistency, synergy and pooling between the three remote sites for maintenance and training).

The system now in service in Martinique was initiated in 2018. Its development leveraged innovative project management techniques to adapt the system to the local working methods and the regional context, while rolling out next-generation control aids for a safer and smoother air traffic management. This entailed the definition of new working methods, and the usage of specific airport 3D simulator, modelling all operational scenarios that will enable faster as well as more extensive training for ATC staff. A live traffic acceptance phase started in November 2024 ensured a safe transition towards the new system. Previously, a large information campaign was carried out among our customers, airspace users and neighbouring foreign centres.